"Being Renewed..."

January 31, 2016

“Being Renewed…”

Blessings folk!

Believers are to…
keep seeking the things above
set our minds on the things above
consider our bodies as dead to sin
put aside
immorality
impurity
passion
evil desire
anger
wrath
malice
slander
abusive speech

We continue…

Col 3:9-11
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—
a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.


Do not lie to one another.
We have laid aside the old self and all its evil practices
We have put on the new self.
The new self is being renewed to a true knowledge…the image of the Lord.
There is no distinction in this renewal.
People from every nation, tribe and tongue are called.

Called to Christ.
The all in all.

Being so called, then we should put on the new self constantly and die to the old self.
Speak truth.
Repent.
Confess.
Then, press on in love.

"Put Them Aside..."

January 30, 2016

“Put Them Aside…”

Blessings Folk!

We are to consider our earthly body as dead…

Col 3:5
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.


Dead to these grievous sins.

But watch what the Word says next.

We are to do something else…

Col 3:8
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.


We are to put these aside…
anger
malice
slander
abusive speech from the mouth

We as believers have the power to put them aside.

Note that they are not “automatically removed”.

When we are saved, the Lord does not “magically” remove all temptation to sin.
We are tempted.
We can choose to sin or not.
A mystery? Yes.

The Lord calls us and empowers us to put these things aside.

Looks like the tongue is involved with them…? Happy

The “abusive speech” in interesting.
We should say nothing that is abusive in any way.
No lies.
No “white lies”.
No truth spoken with the heart of malice and hatred.

Eph 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

I know…folk often speak of “just having fun”, yet, such speech is used by the enemy.

Why not just speak as the Lord directs?
Speak in love.
Speak the truth.
Speak with the total benefit of the other in mind.

Col 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.


"Consider..."

January 29, 2016

“Consider…”

Blessings folk!

Those who are raised up with Christ are to keep seeking the things above and set their minds on the things above…the very Presence of God.

We have died to self.
Our lives are hidden with Christ in God.

Christ is our life.
We will be revealed with Him glory.

Because of all this…

Col 3:5
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.


We are to consider our body as good as dead to sin.
Some are listed.
Notice that they amount to idolatry.
In other words, anything that we exalt above the Most High is idolatry.

Those who do such will be punished…the wrath of God.

Col 3:6-7
For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.


We walked in these in the past, but not now.

Put them aside.

We consider these to be “big” evils.

Wait ’til the next verse…

For today, die to self/sin.
Live in the life that we have with Christ in God.

"You Have Died..."

January 28, 2016

“You Have Died…”

Blessings folk!

So, we are told to…
keep seeking the things above
set our minds on the thing above

The things of the Lord.
The mind of the Lord.

If we do so, we will live as we should.
We will walk as we should.
We will do the works that the Lord has designed for us.

Eph 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

God has prepared.
We simply choose to seek and walk.

How?
Why?

Col 3:3
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.


Those who are truly saved have died.
Died to self.
Died to the flesh.

We are alive in Christ.
Our life is hidden with Christ in God.
Think on that for a moment…”hidden with Christ in God”.
That is who we are.
That is our position.
Hidden.
Protected.

Therefore, we are to daily live a life of death to self, alive in Him.

Christ is our life.
Look what happens in the future…

Col 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.


Christ will be revealed.
We will be revealed with Him … in glory.
Glory awaits.

Today, the walk of death in life.
Tomorrow, glory.
Set your mind…

"Set Your Mind..."

January 27, 2016

“Set Your Mind…”

Blessings folk!

Are you raised up with Christ?
Are you a true believer?
Or, are you a “good” person, a “church member”, etc.
Many there are who think they are in correct relationship with the Most High, yet they are not.

Be certain that you are.
Seek the Lord.
He will affirm and confirm.

Now, for those who are “raised up with Christ”…

Col 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.


Keep seeking the things above.
Keep seeking the things of the Most High.

The next verse gives more…

Col 3:2
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.


This is how we keep seeking the things above.

We must set our mind on the things above.
Not on the things on the earth.

Truth be said, most believers are more concerned with the cares and concerns of this life than on the things above.

Our mind must be set…focused…consumed with the things above.

The Lord has given us a great promise related to this.

If we set our mind on the things above, we will have peace…

Isa 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.


The Lord will provide perfect peace to whose whose mind is set on Him.

Do you lack peace?
Set your mind on the things above.

Are you anxious?
Set your mind of the things above.

Do you fear?
Set your mind on the things above.

Are you frustrated?
Set your mind on the things above.

Do you doubt?
Set your mind on the things above.

We deal with things on the earth by setting our mind on the things above.

Any other way will fail…

"Keep Seeking..."

January 26, 2016

“Keep Seeking…”

Blessings folk!

There are portions of the Word of God to which we as Believers are continually drawn.

Some are corporate.
Some individual.

Here is one for me.
We will spend a little time here.
Colossians 3…note who is being addressed and what is said.

Col 3:1
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.


There it is again.
“Therefore”…in light of what has been said earlier, which we may cover later. Happy

Who is being addressed?
Those who have been raised up with Christ.
Those who are truly saved.
Again, not just religious.
Not just those who “talk a talk”.
Those who have been truly transformed.
Those who have been “raise from the dead”.

An instruction/commandment.
We are to seek the things above.
Above?
Where?

Where Christ is.
Where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

We are to seek the things of the Lord.
We are to seek His mind.

This chapter contains many instructions, commands, exhortations, etc.
set your mind
consider your earthly body as dead
put aside…
do not lie
put on…
bear…
forgive…
let…
do…

We will look at each.

For today, keep seeking the things above.
Reject the temptations of the things below.

"Seek...Abide..."

January 25, 2016

“Seek…Abide…”

Blessings folk!

This one thing would change most of what we call “church-life”.

Most organizational churches are consumed with “busy-ness” thinking they are “hitting a lick for God”.

If we would begin here…

Mat 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”


You noted the first word - “but”.

The context is worry, fretting over housing, clothing, food and the like.

Jesus is telling us to pursue something else.

The Kingdom.

When we pursue the Kingdom we will be free…

Mat 6:34
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”


How do we pursue the Kingdom?

First, one must be truly saved.
Not just religious.
Not just aware of the Truth of the Lord.
Truly born again.

Then, one must abide in the Lord.

A good definition of “sin” is “stepping outside the abiding of the Lord”.

If we abide in Him we will not sin.

Jhn 15:4
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.



Jhn 15:6
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Jhn 15:7
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Jhn 15:9
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

Jhn 15:10
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.


Pursue the Kingdom.
Abide in the Lord.
Watch what happens…

"Blessed Household"

January 24, 2016

“Blessed Household”

Blessings folk!

David had setup the Ark of the Covenant in a tent he has erected.
David then gave instructions for the Mosaic Tabernacle worship to continue.

1Ch 16:39-43
He left Zadok the priest and his relatives the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place which was at Gibeon,
to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which He commanded Israel.
With them were Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because His lovingkindness is everlasting.
And with them were Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those who should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God, and the sons of Jeduthun for the gate.
Then all the people departed each to his house, and David returned to bless his household.


Continual giving of thanks to the Lord.
Continual burnt offering.
Music.

Once the two venues of worship were established, the people departed to their house.
David returned to his household.

Bless your house today…

"Before the Ark, Before the Tabernacle"

January 23, 2016

“Before the Ark, Before the Tabernacle”

Blessings Folk!

David called the people to worship.
He explained to the leaders what needed to be said and done.
All the people said “Amen!”
They agreed.

Now, watch…

1Ch 16:36-40
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.
So he left Asaph and his relatives there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required;
and Obed-edom with his 68 relatives; Obed-edom, also the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah as gatekeepers.
He left Zadok the priest and his relatives the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place which was at Gibeon,
to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which He commanded Israel.


David left them to worship.
As instructed.
Continually.
As each day required.

Remember how this chapter began?

1Ch 16:1
And they brought in the ark of God and placed it inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.


The ark of God had been place in a tent that David built.
Not in the tabernacle of the Lord.
This is profound.
Rarely taught.
Never preached.

Asaph and clan ministered before the ark of the covenant of the Lord continually.

What about the tabernacle of the Lord?

Zadok the priest and his relatives were before the tabernacle of the Lord.
It was in the high place in Gibeon…another location.
They offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of burnt offerings…outside the Holy Place.
They did so continually morning and evening as is written in the law of the Lord.

Yet, they ministered before a tabernacle that had not the ark of the covenant of the Lord.

Again…

David’s tent had the Ark of the covenant.
David’s men ministered before it continually…not just one day a year.
They were in the Presence of the Lord…and yet lived.

The tabernacle of the Lord (Mosaic tabernacle) carried on with sacrifice, yet had not the Ark.
They did not have the Presence of the Lord.
Just faithful, religious fulfillment of commandments.

There are a couple of pictures here.

One, this is a foreshadowing of the very Presence of the Lord in those who seek Him.
Second, this is a picture of the “church”/Church.
Many go about religious activities, yet have not the Power and Presence of the Lord.
Many have the Power and Presence of the Lord outside the “norm” of religious activity.

Choose well.
Choose to be “before the Ark”.

"Amen!"

January 22, 2016

“Amen!”

Blessings folk!

Remember, David had assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the Lord.
David gave them text.
We have been examining it.
Now, the close…

1Ch 16:34-36
O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
And glory in Your praise.”
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.


We see a pattern.
Begin with giving thanks to the Lord.
End with giving thanks to the Lord.

Why?

Because He is good.
His lovingkindness is everlasting.

They were then to cry out unto the Lord, asking God to save them.

Save.
Gather.
Deliver.
From the nations.

Give thanks.
Glory in His name.
Bless the Lord.
He is the God of Israel.
He is the God of All.

The response of the people?
“Amen!”
And they praised the Lord.

Let us do so…in all things give thanks.

"Give Thanks to the Lord"

January 21, 2016

“Give Thanks to the Lord”

Blessings folk!

Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Why?
For He is good.

We have seen that creation praises Him…
Let’s continue…

1Ch 16:30-34
Tremble before Him, all the earth;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD;
For He is coming to judge the earth.
O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.


The earth trembles and rejoices.

The heavens are glad.

The sea roars.
All within the sea also.

The field exults.
All that is in the field also.

The trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord

Why?

Because He is coming to judge the earth.

Therefore…
Give thanks to the Lord
- for He is good
- for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Give heed to creation.
Earth rejoices.
Heavens glad.
Seas roar.
Fields exult.
Trees sing.

Join in worshipping the Lord.
The Judge is coming.
Are you ready?

"The Anxious Longing of Creation"

January 20, 2016

“The Anxious Longing of Creation”

Blessings folk!

Can you hear the earth rejoicing?
Can you hear the earth moaning and groaning…awaiting the day? Ask folk in Oklahoma…
Can you hear creation anxiously awaiting the day of salvation of the sons of God?
What you say?
Yep.

Rom 8:19-22
For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.


Creation, all that made by the Lord, rejoices in the Lord.
Creation declares the wonders of the Lord.

Yet, creation is groaning…
Creation suffers the pains of childbirth together until now…

Awaiting what?

The restoration of all.
Our hope.
The salvation of creation that was subjected to futility by the Lord due to the rebellion of man.

Creation has been enslaved by the rebellion of man.
It started in the Garden of Eden.
When man rebelled, creation was transformed…I think at a “dna” level…

Gen 3:17-19
Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;
Cursed is the ground because of you;
In toil you will eat of it
All the days of your life.
“Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you;
And you will eat the plants of the field;
By the sweat of your face
You will eat bread,
Till you return to the ground,
Because from it you were taken;
For you are dust,
And to dust you shall return.”


Creation was cursed.
Thorns and thistles now came forth…apparently they were not there before.
There was no need for defense.
Now there was.
Now there was death.

No longer would man “tend” the garden and receive abundance.
Now man would “work the ground” for sustenance.

Creation is anxiously awaiting the day.
Are you?

Are you ready?

"Heavens and Earth Rejoice!"

January 19, 2016

“Heavens and Earth Rejoice!”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw that we are ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.

Now, note who else is to join in…

1Ch 16:29-31
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth;
yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”


The earth is to tremble before Him.
The earth is to rejoice.
The heavens are to be glad.
They are to declare “the Lord reigns”!

Truly, the heavens declare the glory of the Lord.

Psa 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psa 97:6
The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
Here is the remaining match.

Psa 50:6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.


All one has to do is look.

Romans 1 tells us that that creation testifies to all man that God is.
Man can deny, yet he knows.

Rom 1:19
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
So they are without excuse.


Creation declares “the Lord reigns”.

So should we.

The Fool will not.
They will suffer the consequences…

"Ascribe to the Lord"

January 18, 2016

“Ascribe to the Lord”

Blessings folk!

We continue with David’s proclamation before the people as to how they should worship the Lord…

1Ch 16:27-29
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the LORD in holy array.


Remember these things of the Lord…
splendor and majesty are before Him
strength and joy are in His place

How do we respond?
We ascribe.
Ascribe?
Yes…”give to”, “bring”, “go to”…

We are to acknowledge that in the Lord are all things.
We are to give the Lord glory…all glory…glory that is due Him. Especially our “glory”.
We are to give unto the Lord an offering…we ourselves.
We are to come before Him.
We are to worship the Lord…in holy array.

Holy array is not limited to clothing used in sacred worship and feast.

We as Believers come to the Lord in holiness - set apart, separateness.
Holiness that He provides.
Holiness that He commands us to walk in.
Hear what the Word says…and how often…

Lev 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

Eph 1:4
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him…

Eph 5:27
that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

1Pe 1:15-16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.


So often in the Body of Christ we embrace the truth that we are “a sinner saved by grace”, and yet exclude the truth that the Lord has called and empowered us to walk in holiness.

The Lord would not instruct just to be/to do what is impossible.
In Him, all things are possible.

If truly saved, we are “positionally” holy.
Therefore, walk in holiness.
Not in the flesh, but in the power of the Spirit.
Not embracing “sinner” status, rather rejoicing in the Spirit that calls us to holiness and empowers us to live so.

Ascribe to the Lord!

"But the Lord Made the Heavens!"

January 17, 2016

“But the Lord Made the Heavens!”

Blessings folk!

David continues his counsel to the people to praise the Lord.
He had recounted history.
Now, he is speaking of the Lord and our response.

1Ch 16:24-27
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
He also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.


We have seen that we are to tell of the glory of the Lord among the nations.
We are to speak of His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

Why?

For great is the Lord.
He is to be praised - greatly..
The Lord is also to be feared…above all gods…so called-gods.

Then, this profound truth that we would do well to remember.
All the gods of the peoples are idols.
We think that there is no problem with such today.
Wrong.
Anything that is worshiped…
Anything that receives greater attention, love, adoration, time, etc. than the Most High, is an idol.

How do we counterman this?

Note the “but”…

The Lord made the heavens.
Idols did not.
Splendor and majesty belong to the Lord.
Not to idols.
Strength and joy are in His place.
Such will not be found in the idols of this life.

Beware.
Reject the tendency toward idols.

Seek the Lord.
He will reveal what is idolatrous in your life.

"Sing, Proclaim, Tell"

January 16, 2016

“Sing, Proclaim, Tell”

Blessings folk!

After recounting the history of what Israel had done, we read this…

1Ch 16:23-24
Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.


David’s psalm of thanks returns to exhorting the people to…
sing to the Lord…all the earth
proclaim good tidings of His salvation…when?…day to day
tell of His glory among the nations…the unbelievers
tell of His wonderful deeds…among all the peoples

We are called to do such.

To sing to the Lord.
To worship the Lord.
To proclaim salvation…to tell of His glory…His deeds to all.

Sadly, most have been told that we are to “get people to church” and the like.

What might the Lord do if we…
lived as He instructed
proclaimed Him as instructed
proclaimed/lived the Gospel as commanded ?

I suspect that our lives would be changed and folk would be drawn by the Spirit to the Lord.

Let us exchange our lives of fleshly attempt for lives of abiding obedience.

Then, shall the Lord be glorified.

"The Lord Provided/Protected"

January 15, 2016

“The Lord Provided/Protected”

Blessings folk!

The Lord gave His people the land He wanted them to have…

1Ch 16:18-22
Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
As the portion of your inheritance.”
When they were only a few in number,
Very few, and strangers in it,
And they wandered about from nation to nation,
And from one kingdom to another people,
He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
“Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”


The Lord gave them then land when…
they were few in number…they would never have attained nor maintained outside the Lord
they were strangers in the land
wandered from nation to nation, kingdom to kingdom

The Lord allowed no one to oppress them upon the land.
(Now, later He did allow peoples to punish/conquer His people due to disobedience)

The Lord told the leadership of the nations…
do not touch My anointed ones
do My prophets no harm

The Lord provided.
The Lord protected.

He does so today…to all believers.

Rest in the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord.
Live boldly in the Lord and His Promised Land…

"The Land..."

January 14, 2016

“The Land…”

Blessings folk!

God makes Covenant.
God keeps Covenant.

Read the passage again…giving close attention to the new/last verse…

1Ch 16:15-18
Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.
He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
As the portion of your inheritance.”


His covenant is forever.
We are to remember.
He made covenant with Abraham.
He reiterated it to Isaac.
He confirmed it to Jacob.
It is a statute to Israel…an everlasting covenant.
We as Gentiles, the nations, are grafted in…

Part of the covenant was this…
To give to them the land of Canaan…as the portion of their inheritance.

The Land is promised by God.

Therefore, the political machinations of the day to “bring peace” by “land swaps” goes against the covenant promise of God.

When Israel does so, they are denying the covenant of the Lord.

The truth is this.
Israel has never had all the Land that the Lord has granted.
The day is coming…

Are you ready?

Are you in correct, covenant relationship with the Lord?

"Be Ye Mindful..."

January 13, 2016

“Be Ye Mindful…”

Blessings folk!

God is covenant making.
God is covenant keeping.

We must know this.
We must remember this.

While we live.
Especially when we praise Him.

It is upon His Covenant nature that we stand, trust and rest.

1Ch 16:15-17
Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,


We are to always be mindful of HIs Covenant.
The sad reality is this - most believers are clueless and have no knowledge of God’s covenant(s).

We learn some about a particular covenant in this passage.
It was with Abraham.
God made it.
God initiated it. (Genesis 12, 15)
It is commanded to a thousand generations - another way of saying “forever”.
God confirmed His covenant with Abraham’s sons of the covenant - Isaac and Jacob.
God confirmed HIs covenant with Israel for an everlasting covenant.

Everlasting.
Without end.
This has direct application to our time.
God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting - without end.

Therefore, how should we view Israel?
Certainly not as many in “mainstream”, “liberal”, “progressive” portions of the professing Body of Christ do.

Be mindful.
Do not forget.
Give thanks to the Lord for His covenant.
Rejoice in that most of us have been grafted in…

If you desire to study the Word related to covenant, this is an useful resource to help…
http://www.amazon.com/Covenants-Kevin-J-Conner/dp/0914936778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452693297&sr=8-1&keywords=covenant+conner

"He Is the Lord..."

January 12, 2016

“He Is the Lord…”

Blessings folk!

One short thought for today…
A profound thought…
The Truth by which we live…

1Ch 16:14
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.


In giving thanks…
In giving praise…
In rejoicing…

Remember that He is the Lord our God.
There is none above.
There is none greater.

His judgments are in all the earth.

He is right.
He is perfect.
He is love.

Rest in this.
Rejoice in this.

We are His.
Why worry?
Why fret?

"Seek, Remember"

September 1, 2014

“...Which I Love…”

Blessings folk!

Psalm 119:46-48
46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
And shall not be ashamed.
47 I shall delight in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I love;
And I will meditate on Your statutes.


What do you love?
Often, we profess to love one thing, put our actions reveal otherwise.

The Psalmist declares that he loves the commandments/testimonies/statutes of the Lord.

He determines to do so by what he does in life.
He will meditate upon the statutes of the Lord...which he loves.
He will lift up his hands to the commandments of the Lord...which he loves.
He will delight in the commandments of the Lord...which he loves.
He will not be ashamed of the testimonies of the Lord before kings.

If someone looked at our lives, what would they determine to be our love?
Sports?
Food?
Relationships?
Career?
Power?
Money?
Religion?
Etc. etc.

Many of these are good...blessings from God.

But the Word is clear.

We are the love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, all our mind...and love one another in like manner.

Do we?
Determine to do so.

"Assigned to Give Thanks..."

January 10, 2016

“Assigned to Give Thanks…”

Blessings folk!

The appointed Levitical musicians were worshipping before the Ark of the Covenant of God.

How?
What did they say?

They did so loudly.
They were assigned to give thanks unto the Lord.

You will find many of the following/coming statements to be familiar.


1Ch 16:5-10
Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom and Jeiel, with musical instruments, harps, lyres; also Asaph played loud-sounding cymbals,
and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
Then on that day David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.


David assigned them to give thanks.
He then told them how…what to say

Give thanks to the Lord.
Call upon His name.
Make known His deeds among the people.
Sing to Him.
Sing praises to Him.
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name.
Seekers of the Lord are to be glad.

We are to do so.
We are to give thanks.
We are to call upon His name.
We are to make known His deeds…we are very weak in this…

Determine in the Spirit today to make known His deeds.
Speak of His deeds, especially His deeds in your life.
Speak of His wonders.

Glory in His name.
Glory not in our name and power.

"Ministers...Continually..."

January 9, 2016

“Ministers…Continually…”

Blessings folk!

David and the people brought the Ark into the tent David had prepared for it.
They offered sacrifices.
David gave the people a gift of a meal.

Then…

1Ch 16:4-6
He appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the LORD, even to celebrate and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:
Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom and Jeiel, with musical instruments, harps, lyres; also Asaph played loud-sounding cymbals,
and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.


David appointed some of the Levites.
To do what?
Minister before the Ark of the Lord
Celebrate the Lord
Thank the Lord
Praise the Lord God of Israel

Note that they were before the Ark of the Lord.
Apparently in view of it?
There was no veil shrouding the Ark.

The Lord gives us their names…a special honor.

The Lord then tells us some of how they ministered…with…
musical instruments
harps
lyres
loud-sounding cymbals
trumpets

Two of them blew trumpets continually before the Ark of the Covenant of God.
Note the detailed name.
The Ark of the Covenant of God.

This was not a quiet event.
This was loud.
This was joyous.
This was celebration.
This was continual.
This was constant celebration and proclamation of the Covenant God who we worship.

So should we worship.
Not just corporately.
But individually.

Boldly.
Confidently.
Before the very Presence of the Most High God Who dwells within us.
Without ceasing.

…to the praise of the glory of His honor and power and grace…

"Three-Course Meal..."

January 8, 2016

“Three-Course Meal…”

Blessings folk!

David called upon the people to praise the Lord…

1Ch 16:8
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.


Look at what they did…

1Ch 16:1-3
And they brought in the ark of God and placed it inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
He distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread and a portion of meat and a raisin cake.


They brought the Ark of God into the tent David pitched (see yesterday’s discussion).

They then offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
Again, based upon what we saw yesterday, an unusual “adaptation” of Tabernacle worship…outside the Tabernacle.

After the offerings, David blessed the people.
He did so in the name of the Lord.
The name of the Lord?
Yes.
Based upon the character, the essence of Who the Lord is.

Not only did He bless them in Word.
He blessed them in physical deed.
Everyone in Israel received…
a loaf of bread
a portion of meat
a raisin cake

A three-course meal.

Is there significance to this?
I suspect so.
Likely layers of insight and interpretation.

We know this.
David provided for the needs of the people at that moment.
A blessing of provision.
This is a type and foreshadowing of what the Lord does for His people today.

Rejoice in His provision.
Worship Him…to be continued…

"In the Midst of the Tent..."

January 7, 2016

“In the Midst of the Tent…”

Blessings folk!

King David declared to the people…

1Ch 16:8
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.


What was the context?

1Ch 16:1
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.


We read this yesterday.
Did anything leap out at you?

They had brought the ark of God.
It had been on a long, serious journey…(read the chapters before)

Where did they place the ark?
In the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it.

They may not seem much, but it is profound.

The Ark of the Covenant was to be in the Holy of Holies in the Mosaic Tabernacle.
Dozens of chapters in the Old Testament deal the with construction and implementation of Tabernacle life.

But David had pitched another tent.

Amazing.

Only the High Priest could enter in before the Ark of the Presence of God, and that on only one day a year.

Yet, David pitched a tent and entered before the Ark…as we see in the balance of the Word.

Why did God not strike him dead?

I believe it was because of what God said of David…

Act 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'

The Lord knew the heart of David.
The Lord allowed David to come before Him.
The Lord desired for David to be before Him…to do His will.

Quick.
Another thought.

While David had the Ark in his tent, the sacrificial system carried on in the Mosaic Tabernacle.
On one mountain, they had the Mosaic tabernacle with all its sacrifices, priests, etc…yet without the Ark.
Without the Presence of God!
On another mountain, a tent with a man bowed before the Ark.
David in the Presence of God.

I believe this to be a vivid picture of much of the professing organizational church today.
Busy with the appearance of exercising the faith, yet powerless and without the Presence of God.

May we be as David.

"Give...Call...Make..."

January 6, 2016

“Give..Call…Make…”

Blessings folk!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, especially at the beginning of a new year.
We are commanded to give thanks in everything…
Not necessarily “give thanks” for everything…but in everything…

1Th 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


It is God’s will that we give thanks.

Let’s take some time to look at a Psalm of David.

One would think that a psalm of David would be in the book of Psalms.
But, not all of them are.
This one is in 1 Chronicles (though strong echoes are in the Psalms Happy )

David said this…

1Ch 16:8
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.


We are told to give thanks unto the Lord.
We are told to call upon His name.
We are told to make known His deeds among the people.

Today, do so.
Give thanks.
Call upon His name.
Make known His deeds.

Later, we will look at the context…from verse 1 forward.
Very interesting…
Ah, go ahead…take a peek…notice anything interesting…

1Ch 16:1
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

"No Condemnation"

January 5, 2016

“No Condemnation”

Blessings folk!

Jesus did not condemn the “woman caught in adultery”.

He does not condemn those who are His.

Know this truth…

Rom 8:1-2
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.


There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For those who are truly saved.
For those who abide in the Lord.
(“Therefore” reveals that this is a conclusion of that which was discussed before.)

We as Believers are free from the law of sin and death.
We are alive in the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.

So many do not live as such.
So many do not even know.

I was recently with a group of believers discussing some things.
It was soon apparent that two truths were needed in their lives…
Who we are in the Lord…Who the Lord is in us…
To fear not. The enemy uses fear to distract and dissuade us. Fear can become idolatry. We are placing “fear” above the Lord.

As we begin a new year, learn about who you are in the Lord.
As we begin a new year, set aside fear.

Eph 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

1Pe 3:14
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,


"I Do Not Condemn You..."

January 4, 2016

“I Do Not Condemn You…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus has had a woman thrown at His feet…likely literally.
The religious rulers are seeking to setup Jesus.

We have seen what they have done.
We have seen His initial response…He stooped and wrote in the sand.

Read again.
Pay close attention to the rest of the story.

John 8:2-11
Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,
they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.
“Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.
But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.
Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”


Jesus told the religious rulers that the one without sin should throw the first stone.

They were dumbfounded.
They were silenced.

Jesus returned to a stooping position, writing on the ground.

The rulers began to depart…one by one…beginning with the older ones.
Beginning with the wiser/experienced ones.

All left.

Jesus then straightened up.
He then looked at the woman and asked where the accusers were.
Was there anyone to accuse her?
She replied “no one”.
Jesus’ reply?
I do not condemn you.
Go.
Sin no more.

Jesus did not deny the Law.
The religious rulers were correct in the Law and its interpretation and application.
They were misusing the Law to their agenda.

Jesus did not condone sin.
He told the woman to sin no more.

What do we see here?

Mercy
Grace
Love

May we live likewise…

"Stooped"

January 3, 2016

“Stooped”

Blessings Folk!

Remember, the woman was caught.
Caught in the very act.
Of course, the man, who we assume “was caught in the very act”, was nowhere to be seen.

The religious rulers were attempting to setup Jesus.
The same occurs today.
Many passing themselves off as “leaders” are simple “setting up the Kingdom” to their own advantage.
They are false leaders.

Jesus was having nothing to do with the charade.

Read and note what He does…how He responds…

John 8:2-11
Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,
they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.
“Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.
But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.
Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”


Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground.
Why?
We simply do not know.
Many a conjecture has been offered.
Perhaps Jesus was writing the names of the religious sinners.
I doubt it.
Such would not fit the “feel” of the moment.

I do know this.

Jesus stooped.
He was in a position of humility…even before these religious frauds…even before this sinner.

Jesus did not stare them down.
In this position of humility, He allowed Father to speak to Him.

Perhaps He would have left the situation there.

Yet, they persisted.

Jesus then arose, pronounced “he who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”, then He stooped again.

More later…

But for today, I believe this is the way we are to handle like situations.
Not defiance.
Not defensiveness.
Not “stare downs”.
Rather, awaiting the Word of the Lord.
Speaking the Word of the Lord.
Resting in the Word of the Lord.

"Caught! In the Very Act"

January 2, 2015
“Caught! In the Very Act...”
Blessings folk! As we saw yesterday, the Lord will give us a place to begin again.
Read the passage again. Watch the situation. What occurred? Why?
What was the motivation? What was Jesus’ response? What is the Lord speaking to you?
John 8:2-11 Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
Jesus came early in the morning to the temple to teach the people. He did not wait until Sabbath. Nor should we wait “until Sunday to invite someone to church”. We should be teaching/reaching in every moment of every day. Every true believer should do so as the Spirit directs and gifts.
The religious rulers brought a woman before Jesus. We see their motivation. They wanted ground to accuse Jesus. In their mind they had Him.
If He said “let her go”, then they would accuse Him of denying the Law. If He said “stone her”, then they would use that to turn the people against Him.
The woman had been “...caught in adultery, in the very act”
If so, if in the very act, where is the man?
I suspect he was either a patsy of the religious rulers...who they let go...or one of the rulers. Either way, the man was not there.
This is what the religious spirit will do. Beware of it. It is prevalent in the organizational church.
...to be continued...

"A Place to Begin Again"

January 1, 2016
“A Place to Begin Again”
Blessings folk!
In recent years... At the first of the year... I am constantly reminded of this truth. The Lord will give us a place to begin again.
The world acknowledges this desire with its “resolutions” and such.
The Lord provides something more. He provides a new start...a fresh start...a forgiven start... A place to begin again.
Read one of my favorite accounts of such...
John 8:2-11 Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
We have covered much of this in the past. We will look at more later.
For today, know that the Lord will give you a place to begin again...just as He did this woman. The Lord has a “long history” of such.
The Lord gave Adam and Even a place to begin again...after rebellion. The Lord gave Abraham a place to begin again...from a pagan idol worshipper, from doubt The Lord gave Moses a place to begin again...from the throne, from the wilderness The Lord gave David a place to begin again...from adultery, murder
The Lord gave Israel/Judah a place to begin again...from harlotry before God The Lord gave Peter a place to begin again...from denying Him The Lord gave Saul/Paul a place to begin again...from religion The Lord will give all creation a place to begin again...a new heaven and new earth The Lord has given us a place to begin again...
The Lord will give a a place to begin again...
If, we repent and confess... If, we show the fruit of repentance and confession... Then we can go and sin no more.
On this first day of a new year, seize what the Lord is providing... A Place to Begin Again.